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“We’re Sunday school teachers,” she reminded May primly. “Someone might hear us.” Surely that would get her friend to change the conversation.
“Sunday school teachers who have a pulse.” May took a sip of coffee. “I bet he’s as divine as my cup of coffee.”
Bebe chortled. Snorted. Then erupted in laughter. No way could she keep sense about her with May always dragging the juvenile side of her out. They’d been friends ever since May’s family moved to town when she and Bebe were in the fifth grade.
Both of them had been different. Having a white mom and a Black dad had given Bebe a lighter complexion of brown skin complete with green eyes. May had been the only Japanese American in their class. All through their school years, they were both admired and picked on alike. Their differences had brought them together and cemented their friendship.
As their shared laughter died down, Bebe dabbed at her eyes with a napkin. Thank goodness she’d skipped the mascara and eyeliner this morning.
“Seriously, Bebe. He has to look better in person than he does on TV. Plus, he doesn’t have all that equipment hiding his good looks.”
“He was pretty loopy, which took the shine off his looks.”But not much.
“Hmm. ‘The lady doth protest too much, methinks.’ Orhowever that goes.” May waved her hand as she took another sip of her drink.
“You said it right.” Bebe walked toward the doorway, scanning the halls.Clear.She rejoined May. “Okay, I’ll say this once, but let it be known it’s not an admission of any kind of feelings. Just an admission of facts.”
“Okay. Spill.”
“Heisbetter looking. It’s totally not fair, but he is. No hint of fat anywhere on that man. And his arms look much bigger in person, although I’m not sure how, considering the camera should’ve already added ten pounds.” Bebe scrunched her nose.
“It’s a video camera, completely different properties.”
Bebe rolled her eyes. She wanted to say his eyes pierced her soul and her heart went pitter-patter, but how could she when she didn’t even want to admit it to herself? Jay had broken her heart after she’d spent months dreaming of a future with them together. She refused to fall for another man who couldn’t go the distance, especially one who’d been the first to break her heart. “I was merely cataloging the changes time brought until he opened his mouth and called me a ‘fine Georgia peach.’ It went downhill from there.”
May began coughing as she waffled between laughing and choking on her coffee. Bebe patted her friend on the back, shaking her head, then turned to fill her own cup once more.
“He did not say that,” May gasped.
“Yes. Hope thought it was funny.”
May’s eyes widened. “She was watching? Wait, he saw her?”
“Yes.”
“And he didn’t seem heartbroken that you’d obviously moved on?”
“Why wouldhebe heartbroken?” It wasn’t like he’d pledged his undying devotion in high school. That had only been her dream. “Besides, I’m divorced.” Which still brought a bittertaste to her mouth. How had she been so expendable? Obviously something was wrong with her. Men never wanted to stick it out.
Why do I have such bad taste in men, Lord?
“Does he know you’re no longer married?” May asked.
Silence penetrated the air. Even though others thought high school romances couldn’t last, Bebe had believed they had forever power. Yet Jay’s rejection and following silence indicated otherwise. After growing up next to one another all those years, for him to leave without a word ... May knew exactly how much Jahleel’s departure had destroyed Bebe.
Bebe shrugged. “Anyway, he asked how that happened.” She relayed the rest of their meeting.
“Wow, those must be some great painkillers.” May shook her head. “Did you see the replay of his injury on YouTube? It looked brutal.”
“No, thanks.” Bebe shuddered. Why on earth do people want to watch videos of others getting hurt?
“It was pretty fascinating. I’d love to get my hands on his medical charts.”
“Rein yourself in, girl. He’s not a science project.”
“No, but my kids would love to study that in person. Especially since we’re on the joint-and-socket unit.”
Bebe shook her head. May was the high school anatomy and physiology teacher. Sometimes she laughed at how the two oddballs were now teachers. Though teaching certainly hadn’t been Bebe’s plan. That had come shortly after her marriage troubles with Will. Teaching allowed her to have the same school schedule as Hope, along with summers and holidays off, while providing a roof over their heads.
